The ability to remain true to one's own virtues is a trying task. Religious convictions are capable of altering choices one may make. I find it admirable when one is capable of letting their religious convictions have precedence over their own feelings. Having integrity towards one's self and standing firm in decisions based on that integrity is also just as admirable. Throughout Homer's Iliad Achilles's unwavering integrity to himself by not allowing the words of mortals persuade him from his decisions and firm adherence to his religious convictions prove him an admirable character.
             Achilles's mercurial anger first presents itself in book one when King Agamemnon takes Briseis, Achilles's war prize, in replacement for returning Chryseis to her father. Briseis was more than a trophy of war to Achilles and he treated her in the same manner an Achaean man might treat his wife. Achilles confronts King Agamemnon and during their heated argument Achilles brandishes his sword. Hera, who would be displeased to see either man hurt, sends Athena to intervene and stop any physical violence that may take place between the two men. "So she urged/ and the swift runner complied at once: I must-/ when the two of you head down commands, Goddess,/ a man submits though his heart breaks with fury." (1.252-255). Obeying Hera and Athena despite his own emotions portrays his commitment to his religious convictions
             though he suffers an immense sadness at the loss of Briseis. Refusing to fight for King Agamemnon in shame, Achilles withdraws himself from war.
             King Agamemnon soon realizes his need for Achilles's skill in war after considerable losses to the Trojan army. He sends Ajax and Odysseus with gifts and the promise of a returned Briseis, untouched, if only Achilles will fight for the Achaean army
             again. Odysseus, welcomed by Achilles, informs Achilles of the gifts awaitin
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